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Cowboy Cafe #3
Cowboy with a Cause
"I'd apologize for kissing you, but I'm not all that sorry."
Dancer Melanie Brooks had escaped small-town Oklahoma, giving up the country for Broadway's bright lights. Yet after her mother's funeral called her back, her own health issues forced her to stay. Now her tenant, too-hot-for-his-own-good Adam Benson, is giving her a reason to dance again. But has a killer set his sights on her, too?
Adam knows a little something about fresh starts. As for his beautiful neighbor, he doesn't see a wheelchair—he sees a woman who understands. But as the heat grows between them, he can't avoid the feeling that more than her big-city past haunts her—and that danger has been lurking, waiting to strike….
Dancer Melanie Brooks had escaped small-town Oklahoma, giving up the country for Broadway's bright lights. Yet after her mother's funeral called her back, her own health issues forced her to stay. Now her tenant, too-hot-for-his-own-good Adam Benson, is giving her a reason to dance again. But has a killer set his sights on her, too?
Adam knows a little something about fresh starts. As for his beautiful neighbor, he doesn't see a wheelchair—he sees a woman who understands. But as the heat grows between them, he can't avoid the feeling that more than her big-city past haunts her—and that danger has been lurking, waiting to strike….
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 18, 2012
262 people are currently reading
1330 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
January 17, 2017
Well, I liked the romance part of the book :) 
The suspense was horribly terrible
Adam moves in with Melanie, a cranky young woman in a wheelchair who is mad at the world. He needs a place to stay, even though he doesn't know if it will work living with her, especially because he finds her incredibly attractive
Melanie is a former dancer, now forced to a wheelchair, with a sick leg. She's always in a bad mood, and can't really come to terms with her life.
She likes Adam, but doesn't want to do anything about it.
The suspense - OMG. I just wanted to hit myself on the head with a pole rather than read that part of the book.
There is a crazed killer out there, and something weird is happening at Melanie's house, and she, of course as it would be the only logical conclusion - thinks she's gone mad! Yes, she actually thinks she's crazy and moving things around and breaking pictures and lots of other stuff
Then someone breaks into her room and finally they discover there's atually a madman out there
The ending was a bit too sweet, but otherwise OK, I liked the fact that :D It just gives it a dose of real, and that's great. The bad guy and everything about him was mindblowing - but in a bad way. I wanted to blow it! With a gun!
*ARC courtesy of Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
The suspense was horribly terrible
Adam moves in with Melanie, a cranky young woman in a wheelchair who is mad at the world. He needs a place to stay, even though he doesn't know if it will work living with her, especially because he finds her incredibly attractive
Melanie is a former dancer, now forced to a wheelchair, with a sick leg. She's always in a bad mood, and can't really come to terms with her life.
She likes Adam, but doesn't want to do anything about it.The suspense - OMG. I just wanted to hit myself on the head with a pole rather than read that part of the book.
There is a crazed killer out there, and something weird is happening at Melanie's house, and she, of course as it would be the only logical conclusion - thinks she's gone mad! Yes, she actually thinks she's crazy and moving things around and breaking pictures and lots of other stuff
Then someone breaks into her room and finally they discover there's atually a madman out there
The ending was a bit too sweet, but otherwise OK, I liked the fact that :D It just gives it a dose of real, and that's great. The bad guy and everything about him was mindblowing - but in a bad way. I wanted to blow it! With a gun!
*ARC courtesy of Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
November 26, 2022
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the third book in the Cowboy Cafe series. I love the characters in this book. I really love Melanie in this book because I do not think there is enough characters in wheel chairs in book. I love how Melanie came out her shell in this book. Great review. The suspense was ok, but the ending was so great.
December 30, 2012
I loved the cover of this book, Cowboy with a Cause. It really is lovely.
I just wish that I had been as satisfied with the story. The summary had drawn me in:
"I'd apologize for kissing you, but I'm not all that sorry."Dancer Melanie Brooks had escaped small-town Oklahoma, giving up the country for Broadway's bright lights. Yet after her mother's funeral called her back, her own health issues forced her to stay. Now her tenant, too-hot-for-his-own-good Adam Benson, is giving her a reason to dance again. But has a killer set his sights on her, too?
Adam knows a little something about fresh starts. As for his beautiful neighbor, he doesn't see a wheelchair—he sees a woman who understands. But as the heat grows between them, he can't avoid the feeling that more than her big-city past haunts her—and that danger has been lurking, waiting to strike….
.~.
I quickly tired of the repetitive narrative. I got it the first time when we heard about how bitter Melanie is and why she's that way. I got it the first time that Adam told us how sad and guilty he felt about his brother, Sam, who is jailed for going nuts and trying to kill someone. By the way, that story line isn't finished in this book. And neither is another plot line that is central to THIS story.
I wanted to shake both of these characters time and time again. Their romance was okay. It played out just like I knew it would. Which is why we read this type of story. We want some drama and then a nice, tidy HEA. The "suspense" aspect of this story just didn't work for me. It was like it was trying too hard and therefore just didn't work.
At one point glass is broken IN the house, in the middle of the night. LOTS of glass. And no one hears it.
Another little thing that apparently bugs me a LOT, since it keeps coming to mind, is that at one point Melanie's wheelchair is seen and Adam recognizes it by the little ballerina hanging from one of the handles. Really? She'd have a ballerina charm on her wheelchair? She was incredibly bitter about not being able to dance or walk anymore, so she'd have a perky little charm on her WHEELCHAIR to remind her of that fact? I really don't think so.
I rarely give up on reading books, but as often as I rolled my eyes while reading this one, I sure gave it a thought. Most definitely not one of my favorites. Maybe by the time this came out, the editing will have dealt with these plot issues. One can hope.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin, for the opportunity to read this book.
I just wish that I had been as satisfied with the story. The summary had drawn me in:
"I'd apologize for kissing you, but I'm not all that sorry."Dancer Melanie Brooks had escaped small-town Oklahoma, giving up the country for Broadway's bright lights. Yet after her mother's funeral called her back, her own health issues forced her to stay. Now her tenant, too-hot-for-his-own-good Adam Benson, is giving her a reason to dance again. But has a killer set his sights on her, too?
Adam knows a little something about fresh starts. As for his beautiful neighbor, he doesn't see a wheelchair—he sees a woman who understands. But as the heat grows between them, he can't avoid the feeling that more than her big-city past haunts her—and that danger has been lurking, waiting to strike….
.~.
I quickly tired of the repetitive narrative. I got it the first time when we heard about how bitter Melanie is and why she's that way. I got it the first time that Adam told us how sad and guilty he felt about his brother, Sam, who is jailed for going nuts and trying to kill someone. By the way, that story line isn't finished in this book. And neither is another plot line that is central to THIS story.
I wanted to shake both of these characters time and time again. Their romance was okay. It played out just like I knew it would. Which is why we read this type of story. We want some drama and then a nice, tidy HEA. The "suspense" aspect of this story just didn't work for me. It was like it was trying too hard and therefore just didn't work.
At one point glass is broken IN the house, in the middle of the night. LOTS of glass. And no one hears it.
Another little thing that apparently bugs me a LOT, since it keeps coming to mind, is that at one point Melanie's wheelchair is seen and Adam recognizes it by the little ballerina hanging from one of the handles. Really? She'd have a ballerina charm on her wheelchair? She was incredibly bitter about not being able to dance or walk anymore, so she'd have a perky little charm on her WHEELCHAIR to remind her of that fact? I really don't think so.
I rarely give up on reading books, but as often as I rolled my eyes while reading this one, I sure gave it a thought. Most definitely not one of my favorites. Maybe by the time this came out, the editing will have dealt with these plot issues. One can hope.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin, for the opportunity to read this book.
April 23, 2013
I love the idea but it was poorly executed. If you're going to try to write an empowering story of a woman in a wheelchair finding love, there shouldn't be the constant doubt and insecurity about what she can and can't do because she can't walk. Right up until the last scene, it's all about her not feeling like she can live how she wants to because she can't walk. At times, it was really offensive.
Adam interfered so much in her life too soon in my opinion. This wasn't suspenseful to me and who ended up being the villain wasn't developed. We should be able to look back on the clues instead of just being told this is who did it and why.
Adam interfered so much in her life too soon in my opinion. This wasn't suspenseful to me and who ended up being the villain wasn't developed. We should be able to look back on the clues instead of just being told this is who did it and why.
February 2, 2013
Cowboy with a Cause
by seasoned Romantic Suspense author Carla Cassidy , was a terrific, enthralling addition to her Cowboy Café series. Once again, you will salivate over a deep thinking, drop dead gorgeous Hero, and admire her strong, courageous heroine.
Beautiful, passionate and talented dancer Melanie Brooks, at eighteen, packed up her small town life in Oklahoma to pursue her life-long dream of becoming a successful dancer in New York. She had succeeded, but all her dreams died following the devastating death of her mother and the onset of a debilitating illness so cruel in its focus, that her bitterness was completely understandable. She felt trapped, grief stricken and alone. Her new existence a mirror of autumn’s dying leaves – a gradual demise.
What Melanie hadn’t expected ever to feel again, was desire or hope. She had not anticipated that the dark haired, blue-eyed, powerfully built sexy cowboy, Adam Benson, would or could evoke such a visceral response in her. “He carried with him an energy that seemed to pulse in the air around him, an energy that seductively drew her to him.” She feared that his transitional state would only cause her a broken heart. After all, in her mind, she was now a liability, half a woman, a burden – a cripple.
Adam Benson was simply looking for a new start. Life had in the last two years, “tossed him a live grenade that had exploded” resulting in dark times of despair and shame. Having lost many of whom he had loved, it was instinctual to guard his heart, becoming isolated and reclusive. Moving in to Melanie’s house was his opportunity to find a haven, a chance to heal, a place to re-group; and decide what he wanted to do with the rest of his life.
When he first laid eyes on Melanie, he was struck by her elegant beauty and sexy mouth. Quickly, he saw through her brittle façade, despite her vulnerable, resigned disposition and was dazzled by her inner strength, sharp mind and sense of humour, prompting protective urges to emerge. He knew first hand what hiding from life was like, and suspected Melanie did too. As he battled his own demons, would he act on his tendency to ‘fix’ things, acknowledging his growing attraction to the blond haired beauty, or could he remain aloof and unaffected?
Grady Gulch, where the story was set, had been on the receiving end of a killer’s evil hand. Tension was tight in the small town. Innocence lost. To many, Melanie Brooks was an enigma, but to one man, her very presence stole his breath in anger. To him, she deserved terrorizing and punishment. Death.
The mystery is woven masterfully throughout Cowboy with a Cause with the author allowing glimpses of possible suspects, as well as insight into the perpetrator’s mind, yet covering well his identity. The love story between Adam and Melanie is both believable and beautifully written. The book’s very gripping conclusion was excellent, ensuring that the reader must read the next book in the series. Cleverly done. I need to know who the killer is! If you are a fan of Romantic Suspense, do not go past this Author. She writes with experience, wisdom and passion.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was received.
Beautiful, passionate and talented dancer Melanie Brooks, at eighteen, packed up her small town life in Oklahoma to pursue her life-long dream of becoming a successful dancer in New York. She had succeeded, but all her dreams died following the devastating death of her mother and the onset of a debilitating illness so cruel in its focus, that her bitterness was completely understandable. She felt trapped, grief stricken and alone. Her new existence a mirror of autumn’s dying leaves – a gradual demise.
What Melanie hadn’t expected ever to feel again, was desire or hope. She had not anticipated that the dark haired, blue-eyed, powerfully built sexy cowboy, Adam Benson, would or could evoke such a visceral response in her. “He carried with him an energy that seemed to pulse in the air around him, an energy that seductively drew her to him.” She feared that his transitional state would only cause her a broken heart. After all, in her mind, she was now a liability, half a woman, a burden – a cripple.
Adam Benson was simply looking for a new start. Life had in the last two years, “tossed him a live grenade that had exploded” resulting in dark times of despair and shame. Having lost many of whom he had loved, it was instinctual to guard his heart, becoming isolated and reclusive. Moving in to Melanie’s house was his opportunity to find a haven, a chance to heal, a place to re-group; and decide what he wanted to do with the rest of his life.
When he first laid eyes on Melanie, he was struck by her elegant beauty and sexy mouth. Quickly, he saw through her brittle façade, despite her vulnerable, resigned disposition and was dazzled by her inner strength, sharp mind and sense of humour, prompting protective urges to emerge. He knew first hand what hiding from life was like, and suspected Melanie did too. As he battled his own demons, would he act on his tendency to ‘fix’ things, acknowledging his growing attraction to the blond haired beauty, or could he remain aloof and unaffected?
Grady Gulch, where the story was set, had been on the receiving end of a killer’s evil hand. Tension was tight in the small town. Innocence lost. To many, Melanie Brooks was an enigma, but to one man, her very presence stole his breath in anger. To him, she deserved terrorizing and punishment. Death.
The mystery is woven masterfully throughout Cowboy with a Cause with the author allowing glimpses of possible suspects, as well as insight into the perpetrator’s mind, yet covering well his identity. The love story between Adam and Melanie is both believable and beautifully written. The book’s very gripping conclusion was excellent, ensuring that the reader must read the next book in the series. Cleverly done. I need to know who the killer is! If you are a fan of Romantic Suspense, do not go past this Author. She writes with experience, wisdom and passion.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was received.
April 4, 2014
Why would a freebie be the 3rd instalment in a series? I find that slightly weird. Especially in a series when some "mystery" provides a common framework.
Anyway that was not the main reason for this rather poor rating. And despite the remaining suspense, I'm sure I won't read the remainder of the series.
I did not manage to like the characters. I should have grieved for the heroine, former Broadway dancer now stuck in a wheelchair. But I really could not when all she did for the past months, outside of medical examinations, was hide at home and complain about her ruined life, think of all she could not do with her bummed leg, inventing all sorts of reasons why she could not do anything and never try to think positively. NEVER. Even her mental recovery triggered by Adam's help did not seem real and was so hindered by her stupid mental blocks that it really irritated me. It might have worked if there had been a last recent medical exam ruining her former hope that she would recover, but that was not the case.
The hero, on the other hand, is not much better. After his brother had a crazy spell and ended up in jail for trying to murder someone, he turned to the bottle for a few months, maybe just a few weeks. Now he spent his time to AA meetings, though he did not struggle to stop drinking. His sudden decision to completely change his life seemed weird. He went overboard a few times, way too quickly . His supposedly great investigation skills made me laugh. But it's true that all the remaining persons in the local police seem so clueless, eyeless, earless and brainless, that it was not that tough to seem better.
The suspense was really poor, I was laughing out loud each time the bad guy appeared. And his identity was o so convenient.
There were just a few good romantic moments, too few, too short, in a whirlwind of not great things, that were excessively repeated.
Cannot recommend, even for a freebie.
Anyway that was not the main reason for this rather poor rating. And despite the remaining suspense, I'm sure I won't read the remainder of the series.
I did not manage to like the characters. I should have grieved for the heroine, former Broadway dancer now stuck in a wheelchair. But I really could not when all she did for the past months, outside of medical examinations, was hide at home and complain about her ruined life, think of all she could not do with her bummed leg, inventing all sorts of reasons why she could not do anything and never try to think positively. NEVER. Even her mental recovery triggered by Adam's help did not seem real and was so hindered by her stupid mental blocks that it really irritated me. It might have worked if there had been a last recent medical exam ruining her former hope that she would recover, but that was not the case.
The hero, on the other hand, is not much better. After his brother had a crazy spell and ended up in jail for trying to murder someone, he turned to the bottle for a few months, maybe just a few weeks. Now he spent his time to AA meetings, though he did not struggle to stop drinking. His sudden decision to completely change his life seemed weird. He went overboard a few times, way too quickly . His supposedly great investigation skills made me laugh. But it's true that all the remaining persons in the local police seem so clueless, eyeless, earless and brainless, that it was not that tough to seem better.
The suspense was really poor, I was laughing out loud each time the bad guy appeared. And his identity was o so convenient.
There were just a few good romantic moments, too few, too short, in a whirlwind of not great things, that were excessively repeated.
Cannot recommend, even for a freebie.
August 14, 2025
This is the third book in the Cowboy Cafe series by Carla Cassidy. I am tempted to give this book 2 stars simply because I thought it was the last book in this series and I expected to get closure on the unresolved issues from the previous books in the series. But apparently it's not. There must be at least one more book in the series but I haven't seen anything about it. This book features Adam Benson, brother to Nick Benson from the previous book, The Cowboy's Claim, and Melanie Brooks. Adam moves out of the ranch and finds a place in town, renting a floor from Melanie Brooks. Melanie, a former dancer, came back to town when her mother became ill and circumstances land her in a wheelchair and living a reclusive life.
It really wasn't a bad read. I was just expecting this to be the last book and I didn't get the closure I expected. Makes me mad because I'll probably forget everything when the next book does come out. Oh well!
It really wasn't a bad read. I was just expecting this to be the last book and I didn't get the closure I expected. Makes me mad because I'll probably forget everything when the next book does come out. Oh well!
February 1, 2019
A nice easy read with characters that pull your heartstrings. Quite enjoyable.
May 26, 2013
Very good book. Melanie is back in her hometown. She had been planning to leave again after her mother's funeral but she ended up staying because of her health issues. She has spent the last seven months holed up in her house feeling sorry for herself. But she really needs the money that renting out the top floor of her house would bring in, so she rents it to Adam. She has resigned herself to being alone for the rest of her life, but suddenly she has an intense attraction to Adam to deal with. She also finds that he is drawing her out of her self-imposed isolation and making her dream of a different future. She feels, though, that it wouldn't be fair to Adam to tie him to a woman in a wheelchair so she denies her feelings. Melanie is a lot stronger than she thinks she is. When she is targeted by a stalker she is able to think past her panic and save herself. With Adam's help she is also able to start to take charge of her life and future. I wanted to shake her a few times when she would start to accept possibilities for her future and then she would talk herself right back to her "poor me" attitude.
Adam was a great guy. He has finally pulled himself back together after the tragedies of losing his sister and then his oldest brother trying to murder someone. Now he wants to figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life. When he rents his rooms from Melanie he doesn't expect the instant attraction to her. She is dreadfully rude to him but he recognizes the attitude of someone who is dealing with too much. Even though he knows she doesn't want his help he can't resist her. He really wants her to realize that just because she is in a wheelchair doesn't mean that she isn't a beautiful, wonderful woman who can do anything she wants to do. I loved the way that his love for her grows steadily the more he is with her and that he really doesn't see her as limited in what she can do. I loved the way that he was so steady in his love even when she was pushing him away. He also refused to accept her attitude that she was useless and showed her that she still had a lot to give.
The mystery continues about who is killing the waitresses at the Cowboy Cafe. When attempts are made on Melanie's life Adam steps in to make sure she is safe. There are things about her attacks that make it seem like it is the same person, but other things just don't add up. The sheriff is growing more frustrated with each murder and the lack of evidence that is found. I am really looking forward to the next book and finding out who and why.
Adam was a great guy. He has finally pulled himself back together after the tragedies of losing his sister and then his oldest brother trying to murder someone. Now he wants to figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life. When he rents his rooms from Melanie he doesn't expect the instant attraction to her. She is dreadfully rude to him but he recognizes the attitude of someone who is dealing with too much. Even though he knows she doesn't want his help he can't resist her. He really wants her to realize that just because she is in a wheelchair doesn't mean that she isn't a beautiful, wonderful woman who can do anything she wants to do. I loved the way that his love for her grows steadily the more he is with her and that he really doesn't see her as limited in what she can do. I loved the way that he was so steady in his love even when she was pushing him away. He also refused to accept her attitude that she was useless and showed her that she still had a lot to give.
The mystery continues about who is killing the waitresses at the Cowboy Cafe. When attempts are made on Melanie's life Adam steps in to make sure she is safe. There are things about her attacks that make it seem like it is the same person, but other things just don't add up. The sheriff is growing more frustrated with each murder and the lack of evidence that is found. I am really looking forward to the next book and finding out who and why.
December 28, 2012
This is romance meets murder mystery.
The romance is between Melanie and Adam. In high school, Melanie made it clear that once she graduated she was heading to New York to be a dancer ... and that's exactly what she did. Years later she came home to care for her dying mother and ending up staying as she lost her dreams of being a dancer when an accident puts her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Needless to say, she's very bitter.
Adam has had some tragedy ... his sister has died and his brother is in jail for murder. Adam's brother, Nick, has recently gotten married and is living on their ranch with his new wife and child. Adam wants to give them some space so looks for somewhere else to live ... Melanie needs to rent the top part of her house (she needs the money to pay the taxes so she won't lose the house). As they live together, the sparks fly. Adam is resistant because he feels he needs to get his life in order and Melanie is resistant because she feels she's not a whole woman since she's not in a wheelchair.
Two woman have been murdered in the last six months and it seems that Melanie is next on the list. There are a few suspects on the list which keeps you guessing.
It's a quick read ... I liked the characters. I found Melanie too negative, though. She has a hot guy obviously interested in her but she runs hot and cold because she thinks he deserves better since she feels she can never be a whole woman since she's in a wheelchair. Really!? She's lucky Adam was as patient as he was.
When I was reading this book, it seemed like it was part of a series (though it works as a stand alone too). I've since discovered that it is ... it's part of the Cowboy Cafe series.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2012/12...
The romance is between Melanie and Adam. In high school, Melanie made it clear that once she graduated she was heading to New York to be a dancer ... and that's exactly what she did. Years later she came home to care for her dying mother and ending up staying as she lost her dreams of being a dancer when an accident puts her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Needless to say, she's very bitter.
Adam has had some tragedy ... his sister has died and his brother is in jail for murder. Adam's brother, Nick, has recently gotten married and is living on their ranch with his new wife and child. Adam wants to give them some space so looks for somewhere else to live ... Melanie needs to rent the top part of her house (she needs the money to pay the taxes so she won't lose the house). As they live together, the sparks fly. Adam is resistant because he feels he needs to get his life in order and Melanie is resistant because she feels she's not a whole woman since she's not in a wheelchair.
Two woman have been murdered in the last six months and it seems that Melanie is next on the list. There are a few suspects on the list which keeps you guessing.
It's a quick read ... I liked the characters. I found Melanie too negative, though. She has a hot guy obviously interested in her but she runs hot and cold because she thinks he deserves better since she feels she can never be a whole woman since she's in a wheelchair. Really!? She's lucky Adam was as patient as he was.
When I was reading this book, it seemed like it was part of a series (though it works as a stand alone too). I've since discovered that it is ... it's part of the Cowboy Cafe series.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2012/12...
October 18, 2021
Adam Benson is making some changes in his life. No longer working at the family ranch, he moved into town. The rental belonged to Melanie Brooks, a dancer from New York with health problems that put her in a wheelchair. Melanie came back to town for her mother's funeral planning on selling the house and going back to New York. Now that she can no longer dance, she decided to keep the house and rent the top floor.
Melanie is very grouchy since being in the wheelchair. Understandable but it does get a bit tiresome having her feel sorry for herself and always thinking that she isn't good enough for anything anymore.
The local police in this little town are looking for the killer of two young waitresses and while doing this there is an attempt on Melanie's life. We don't know if the same person is committing all the crimes.
Basically, I liked Adam and felt I understood him and his problems. Such as family issues that caused him to start drinking - too much. I didn't get what attracted him to Melanie though. I really didn't like her much.
Melanie is very grouchy since being in the wheelchair. Understandable but it does get a bit tiresome having her feel sorry for herself and always thinking that she isn't good enough for anything anymore.
The local police in this little town are looking for the killer of two young waitresses and while doing this there is an attempt on Melanie's life. We don't know if the same person is committing all the crimes.
Basically, I liked Adam and felt I understood him and his problems. Such as family issues that caused him to start drinking - too much. I didn't get what attracted him to Melanie though. I really didn't like her much.
December 9, 2012
Melanie is a heroine I can really get behind, a woman of strength and vulnerability, and fully 3-dimensional. I also appreciate reading about a physically disabled heroine, as it’s a refreshing change from the majority of books. I was reminded somewhat of the character of Stephanie in the film ‘Rust & Bone’, as both women are quite suddenly disabled and have to adjust to their new circumstances.
The hero, Adam, was interesting as well, though I did not find his character quite as compelling. However, he’s a good match for Melanie, and doesn’t coddle her or assume she can’t succeed because she’s in a wheelchair.
As for the mystery -- it worked for me. I never want to say too much about the puzzle to be solved in suspense fiction because I’d hate to inadvertently give away a clue. However, I will say that I had to debate with myself, and I didn’t figure out the solution until the reveal.
This is a good romantic read, with just the right balance of love and mystery.
The hero, Adam, was interesting as well, though I did not find his character quite as compelling. However, he’s a good match for Melanie, and doesn’t coddle her or assume she can’t succeed because she’s in a wheelchair.
As for the mystery -- it worked for me. I never want to say too much about the puzzle to be solved in suspense fiction because I’d hate to inadvertently give away a clue. However, I will say that I had to debate with myself, and I didn’t figure out the solution until the reveal.
This is a good romantic read, with just the right balance of love and mystery.
November 14, 2012
Being a woman in a wheelchair there were times I completely understood how Melanie felt regarding how she thought people saw her and even how she saw herself. Her views on the future with or without romance also struck a chord. But there were other times I really wanted to shake her and yell "snap out of it!". Adam tried his best to get her out of her funk and thankfully it did happen, it just happened to late for me. Add in the fact that the plot also involves two murders that have been dragged along through two previous books and still didn't get solved and a whole new crazy person in this one all add up to me wanting to stay far away from the small town of Grady Gulch, Oklahoma.
May 4, 2013
This book is great! Small town dancer and good looking cowboy and romance and murder!! Love the main characters, Melanie & Adam. Melanie being a strong woman in a wheelchair, thinking she had nothing to give Adam, a cowboy with his own problems. Plus an obsessed murderer out to kill Melanie makes for a very good read!! Love Carla Cassidy's books!!
May 17, 2014
This would have been a DNF if I didn't need the setting (Oklahoma) for a reading challenge!
I could not connect with the characters, and aspects of the plot were not plausible. The heroine, Melanie, is in a wheelchair and is certain that the hero could not really love her, so she "protects" her heart by resisting him to a degree that is tiresome. Just skip this one.
I could not connect with the characters, and aspects of the plot were not plausible. The heroine, Melanie, is in a wheelchair and is certain that the hero could not really love her, so she "protects" her heart by resisting him to a degree that is tiresome. Just skip this one.
September 22, 2018
Carla Cassidy is one of the best writers Harlequin has. Cowboy with a Cause book #3 in the Cowboy Cafe series will have you reaching for a tissue. A recovering alcoholic who is trying to find his way back and a Professional Dancer who is facing a life time in a wheel chair with a stoker who wants her dead all come together in this exciting series.
May 1, 2013
I don't like to read books out of order, but did not realize this was part of a series. It was a quick easy read on the Kindle on a day I was home from work not feeling well.
May 4, 2013
Two-haiku review:
She's in a wheelchair
Cowboy becomes her boarder
Strange things happening
Both of them damaged
Didn't really engage me
I'm not quite sure why
She's in a wheelchair
Cowboy becomes her boarder
Strange things happening
Both of them damaged
Didn't really engage me
I'm not quite sure why
March 30, 2017
Wasn't sure if I was going to like this one but I did ever so much!
March 16, 2019
Good
This story brings a new case to solve and leaves the previous cases behind to be solved in the next book (I hope).
This story brings a new case to solve and leaves the previous cases behind to be solved in the next book (I hope).
December 30, 2023
This book was a mixed bag, so I'll start with the positives. Adam was an extremely likable character. You don't get many romance heroes who are nice, normal guys with realistic life goals. I enjoyed him very much. The setting was well-written. It was obvious that the author has a real appreciation for theater, which helped to sell Melanie's character as a former dancer. The suspense aspect of the book was interesting, if clumsy in places. I'm glad it was there because it's the only reason I kept reading past the 60% mark.
That brings me to the negatives. Melanie's inner monologue was soooo repetitive that the only way I could finish the book was to start skipping over her thoughts entirely. Throughout the entirety of the novel she is absolutely stuck on the idea that she is unworthy of a husband or children because she is currently a wheelchair user. To demonstrate just how repetitive her thinking was, I searched the book for the word "cripple". It appeared 18 times. Given the length of the book, that means her rather offensive thought pattern is given a minimum of once every fifteen pages. Honestly, it felt like it was every two pages. Her attitude does not let up until the very end of the book. By that point, I felt like I couldn't trust her HEA. She seemed like the sort of low self-esteem person that would sabotage her own relationship to make her internal monologue match her external experiences.
That brings me to the negatives. Melanie's inner monologue was soooo repetitive that the only way I could finish the book was to start skipping over her thoughts entirely. Throughout the entirety of the novel she is absolutely stuck on the idea that she is unworthy of a husband or children because she is currently a wheelchair user. To demonstrate just how repetitive her thinking was, I searched the book for the word "cripple". It appeared 18 times. Given the length of the book, that means her rather offensive thought pattern is given a minimum of once every fifteen pages. Honestly, it felt like it was every two pages. Her attitude does not let up until the very end of the book. By that point, I felt like I couldn't trust her HEA. She seemed like the sort of low self-esteem person that would sabotage her own relationship to make her internal monologue match her external experiences.
May 10, 2024
This book was my favorite Harlequin book of all. This story was sweet yet sad yet wonderful. This book is part of the Cowboy Cafe series.
This story centers around a woman named Melanie Brooks. She used to be a dancer. She left small town Oklahoma giving up the country for Broadway’s bright lights. Yet after her mother’s funeral called her back her own health issues forced her to stay. She puts a sign at her house for a live in tenant. A guy named Adam shows up. He is going through sobriety after some family issues of his own. Adam meets Melanie and he feels that he doesn’t see a woman in a wheelchair but a woman that he desires to care for. Her issues of being in a wheelchair forces her to push Adam away when he starts to get close to her.
There is also a problem with someone coming after her making her think that she is going crazy. Things are happening in her house that she feels that she might be going crazy. Someone is after her when she finds someone in her house late at night by herself. Adam wonders if his feelings for her will be reciprocated or will her issues haunt her forever. I loved Adam and how he was there for Melanie. He built a ramp for her and showed her that being in a wheelchair wasn’t the end for her. I also loved how the mystery in the story kept you wondering who the bad guy was. This book did end in a cliffhanger for a different book which I didn’t realize.
This story centers around a woman named Melanie Brooks. She used to be a dancer. She left small town Oklahoma giving up the country for Broadway’s bright lights. Yet after her mother’s funeral called her back her own health issues forced her to stay. She puts a sign at her house for a live in tenant. A guy named Adam shows up. He is going through sobriety after some family issues of his own. Adam meets Melanie and he feels that he doesn’t see a woman in a wheelchair but a woman that he desires to care for. Her issues of being in a wheelchair forces her to push Adam away when he starts to get close to her.
There is also a problem with someone coming after her making her think that she is going crazy. Things are happening in her house that she feels that she might be going crazy. Someone is after her when she finds someone in her house late at night by herself. Adam wonders if his feelings for her will be reciprocated or will her issues haunt her forever. I loved Adam and how he was there for Melanie. He built a ramp for her and showed her that being in a wheelchair wasn’t the end for her. I also loved how the mystery in the story kept you wondering who the bad guy was. This book did end in a cliffhanger for a different book which I didn’t realize.
November 11, 2018
Frustrating MC
Melanie was beyond frustrating. I understand her disability was recent, but the way she tore herself down was annoying and frustrating. She showed no signs of growth until the end. Adam tried to get her to see the light, but that cowboy would've done better talking to a wall.
The author was very repetitive with Adam's and Melanie's tragic backstories. It seemed like we were reminded every chapter. We got it already, no need to remind us.
The murders and the mystery man POV kept me reading. I wanted to know the who and why. So did not see the ending coming. The reader is still left with unanswered questions, but I'm not sure if I'll read the next book to find out.
Honestly when I first purchased CWAC I didn't know it was part of a series. Which would explain why I felt a little lost at some parts of the story. So I would suggest reading in order.
The romance wasn't noteworthy, but the mystery was pretty good. I recommend giving it a try.
Melanie was beyond frustrating. I understand her disability was recent, but the way she tore herself down was annoying and frustrating. She showed no signs of growth until the end. Adam tried to get her to see the light, but that cowboy would've done better talking to a wall.
The author was very repetitive with Adam's and Melanie's tragic backstories. It seemed like we were reminded every chapter. We got it already, no need to remind us.
The murders and the mystery man POV kept me reading. I wanted to know the who and why. So did not see the ending coming. The reader is still left with unanswered questions, but I'm not sure if I'll read the next book to find out.
Honestly when I first purchased CWAC I didn't know it was part of a series. Which would explain why I felt a little lost at some parts of the story. So I would suggest reading in order.
The romance wasn't noteworthy, but the mystery was pretty good. I recommend giving it a try.
December 13, 2018
2 Lost Souls
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was able to relate to Melanie even though I never had any dance classes. I could understand how her focus & devotion to her career left her feeling depressed & abandoned after developing neuropathy in her leg & foot. Being confined to a wheelchair & no clue what she would do for the rest of her life. Adam was also lost, although his loss consisted of losing family members & the guilt he felt. When Melanie & Adam begins a landlord/tenant relationship, the question becomes how do they turn their lives around & focus on something other than loss. I so want to read the other books in this series.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was able to relate to Melanie even though I never had any dance classes. I could understand how her focus & devotion to her career left her feeling depressed & abandoned after developing neuropathy in her leg & foot. Being confined to a wheelchair & no clue what she would do for the rest of her life. Adam was also lost, although his loss consisted of losing family members & the guilt he felt. When Melanie & Adam begins a landlord/tenant relationship, the question becomes how do they turn their lives around & focus on something other than loss. I so want to read the other books in this series.
May 16, 2020
A gorgeous story with a strong heroine. Melanie had big dreams of dancing and had lit up Broadway before a nerve injury in her leg put her in a wheelchair. Melanie thought her dreams were over, but Adam, the gorgeous cowboy she rented her upstairs rooms to, helps her see that her life isn't over and that she's still worthy of love. Add to that, someone is out there who wants to kill Melanie! But how can a woman who cannot walk out run a killer?
This is a beautiful story with a wonderful cast of characters in a tight-knit small Oklahoma town. A wonderful read.
This is a beautiful story with a wonderful cast of characters in a tight-knit small Oklahoma town. A wonderful read.
July 5, 2020
I nearly enjoyed this book. Loved Adams character and how he was reacting to everything that had happened in the last few years with his family. Not so sure about how I feel regarding Melanie. Not having had a career that was cut short and ending up in a wheelchair made it hard to get into her mindset. The storyline in some ways was too close to book one as personality of the perps went and so that is why its only a nearly enjoyed. Will have to get the last book to see who the killer is.
April 20, 2018
This was really good! I read it out of order (I thought it was a stand alone) and I'm sure I missed certain things leading up to this book but in no way was I ever confused. It actually makes me want to read the whole series.
April 25, 2021
A good M&B suspense--Melanie was a dancer but due to a medical problem is now is a wheelchair-Adam is a member of AA due to things that have happened in his family .some one is messing with Melanie's things is it the one who has killed 2 other girls or someone else.
December 29, 2018
The usual romance stuff
I found nothing new. Cheesy romance. Damsel in distress but too headstrong to admit it. Hero saves the day. Villain hell-bent on revenge.
I found nothing new. Cheesy romance. Damsel in distress but too headstrong to admit it. Hero saves the day. Villain hell-bent on revenge.
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